Bath City appoint Scott Bartlett to lead survival fight following Darren Way’s exit

Bath City have appointed former Eastleigh and Weston-super-Mare boss Scott Bartlett as their new manager on Thursday, following the dismissal of Darren Way last weekend.

The club relieved Way of his duties on Sunday after a 2-1 defeat to Tonbridge Angels left them entrenched in the relegation zone.

Academy manager James Moon took interim charge for the midweek 3-0 loss to Hemel Hempstead Town.

This has left Bartlett with a 10-point gap to 20th-placed Farnborough to turn their season around with eight games left.

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Ongoing project

The Romans have two games in hand to help close the deficit, but it remains a steep mountain to climb.

The club announced via social media: “We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Scott Bartlett as the new first team manager of Bath City Football Club.

“Scott joins with a wealth of management experience at both Weston-super-Mare and Eastleigh and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Twerton Park.”

Speaking shortly after his appointment, Bartlett added: “We are in a difficult spot, there is no denying it.

“But I am not phased by that, it’s about the potential, the people and the ongoing project.

“Having played for Bath City as part of a brilliant team, I have seen first hand how the community comes together to support the club and what that means to the players.

“I am delighted to commit my future to Bath City FC and am excited about the future.”

Succesful

Bartlett enjoyed a successful spell as a manager with Weston-super-Mare.

He guided the club to the National League South in 2023 after clinching the Southern League Premier South title.

After six years with the Seagulls, he moved up to the National League, taking charge at Eastleigh in September.

However, just over five months into the role, Eastleigh dismissed him after a 4-0 drubbing by relegation-threatened Morecambe.

Change

The 46-year-old now returns to action in the dugout with the Romans, a club he represented during his playing career.

His predecessor has since joined the coaching staff at Torquay United under Jimmy Ball’s new management.

After his sacking, Bath City board chair David McDonagh said of his exit: “The board believe that we need to make a change to give us the best chance of survival in the league this season.

“We thank Darren for all his hard work in his time at Bath City and wish him all the best for the future.”

Next up, the Romans travel this weekend to face fellow relegation-threatened Eastbourne Borough.

Then, they continue with another away trip to Maidenhead United, before Bartlett welcomes Chippenham for his first home game.

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